Last night we watched the Part 1 or a two Part series titled, “The American Buffalo,” by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. First I have to say that I will watch anything put out by Ken Burns. He is so thorough with his research, with assistance from historians, and countless others, and he is a master storyteller. I am writing this under “Random Thoughts on Politics” because it comes down to our US government and the treatment by them of the indigenous rightful owners of this land.
I am familiar with the story of the American Buffalo and its near extinction. Being I had my children young, 18 and 22, I decided to go to college when I was 29. I took a Political Science class. This was required and I thought I’d get it over with. When it came down to writing an essay, one of the subjects we could write about was about the Indians and the ensuing colonization that encroached onto their lands. Thank God for this because of all the subjects this is the only one that interested me.
I decided to do a paper titled, “Comparison of Custer and Crazy Horse.” I read a book about each of the subjects, and about “The Battle of Little Big Horn,” (I really wish that I could remember the titles). My paper concluded with the fateful battle which both men fought, although with very different results for each.
Anyway, back to the buffalo. Through my research is where I learned about the fate of the buffalo and Indians, (indigenous people). Part 2 is tonight. Ever since reading this history years ago, it has affected me deeply.
The thing that bothers me most is, “Why didn’t I learn this in school?”
What if I didn’t go to college? By the way, I never did get a degree. Another instance of white washing history. We have been doing that for generations. We have not evolved as humans and its no wonder the world is a mess. How can we evolve without facing the ugly truth that is our history. This is part of the American story, it’s how we treated the indigenous, the blacks, and even each other coming from different countries. Why? This makes me sad and also sick.
“Imagine all the people, living life in peace”